Like You is listener supported. Learn how you can support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.

Please send us a voice memo, drawing, or letter at likeyoupod@gmail.com.

Like You is written and produced by Noah Glenn. The show’s artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. Our social media feeds are managed by Noah and Lindsey Glenn.

This episode features original music by Noah Glenn, as well as additional music by Night Park and Skygaze.

Find Like You online at likeyoupodcast.com.

This podcast is designed for kids, but our social media feeds are geared toward their parents. So grown-ups, give us a follow:

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Hello! My name is Noah, and this is Like You, a mindfulness podcast for kids. This podcast is listener supported, which means we would love your help to keep it going. So, grownups, please visit patreon.com/likeyoupodcast to chip in and help us make more episodes. And guess what else! I’ve got a new way for you kids to be a part of the podcast. How would you like to hear your voice on Like You? Ask a grownup to help you record a voice memo, and then they can email it to the show. I have set up an email address for this – likeyoupod@gmail.com. What should you say in your voice memo? Well, that’s up to you, but here’s what I suggest: say your first name, where you’re from, and what you like about our podcast. Keep it short, and have an adult email to likeyoupod@gmail.com. I can’t promise every one will end up on the show, but I’ll listen to them all and share them at the beginning of the show every once in a while.

Today we’re going to talk about forever – and that’s a mighty long time – but what we’re going to learn is that nothing stays the same forever, which in many cases is very good news. Right now, find a place to listen where you feel comfortable and safe and get ready to listen. Remember when I ask you questions, or tell you to repeat something, you can speak out loud, or just think it quietly in your head.

Let’s start with a breathing exercise. Since we’re talking about forever, let’s see how long we can make our breath. Take a deep breath in. Now blow softly for as long as you can. Be sure to breathe again when you run out of breath! Do you think you could blow out a breath that would last forever? Let’s try. Deep breath in. Now long breath out. One more time. Deep breath in. Long breath out. You know what? No matter how long we breath out, we could never do that forever. So let’s talk some more about forever. But first let’s count to 3 and say “I like me.” 1, 2, 3 “I like me!”

How long is forever? Do you know? Let me see if I can wait forever while you think about it. I think that’s about as long as I can wait right now. That was about ten seconds. But how long is forever?

Forever means something goes on and on and it never ever ever ends. Have you ever felt like something lasted forever? Maybe when you were bored? Maybe you wanted to be finished with your dinner or your homework, but you felt like they just went on forever and never stopped. Have you ever felt like that? But here’s another question. Were you bored forever, or did it eventually end?

What about your feelings? Have you ever worried that a sad feeling would go on forever? It’s a scary thought to think that you would feel sad forever. But sadness does not last forever. It never does. It always ends, and happiness returns. No feeling lasts forever. You will go on throughout your life feeling happy and sad and angry and confused and excited.

I’m going to teach you a phrase to say next time you feel like a bad feeling may never end.

“It won’t be this way forever.”

Can you repeat that with me?

“It won’t be this way forever.”

Next time you feel sad. Remember that it’s ok because we all feel sad sometimes, and then remind yourself “It won’t be this way forever.”

Say it with me again. “It won’t be this way forever.”

Next time you get into a fight with a friend or a sibling, you might worry that they will be mad at you forever. But they won’t. You can talk to each other, tell each other why you’re upset, and forgive each other. So remember “It won’t be this way forever.”

Say it with me. “It won’t be this way forever.”

Now, there’s something happening now that might feel like it will go on forever. Chances are, if you’re like most kids around the world right now, you’re spending a lot of time at home. You probably aren’t going to school. You’re probably not seeing your friends. You may hear grownups calling it social distancing, or quarantine, or a lockdown. There’s no denying it. Things have been very different lately. And it’s been very frustrating. Have you felt frustrated or disappointed about the changes to your life lately? I have. I feel frustrated. Will you say that with me? “I feel frustrated.”

But let me tell you something. Can you guess what I’m about to say?

“It won’t be this way forever.”

Will you say that with me? “It won’t be this way forever.”

Let’s say it once more. “It won’t be this way forever.”

Now, I want to tell you about one thing that does last forever. Can you guess what lasts forever? I once heard a child say “I only know 2 things that are permanent: Sharpies and love.”

Well the one I’m talking about love. There are people in your life who love you and will love you forever. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get mad at each other sometimes. But love continues through that. Love continues through sadness, and frustration, and boredom. Love goes on forever. Right now I want you to spend a few seconds thinking about someone who you love.

Now it’s time for affirmations. Affirmations are short sentences that help you feel good about yourself. you can say these out loud or in your own head. Repeat after me:

I like me *

There is no one quite like me. *

I am an amazing person. *

I can get through anything. *

I woke up today ready to love. *

Now smile, and take a few slow, deep breathes as I sing you this song.

It won’t be this way forever
I won’t feel this way forever
Night time never lasts forever
The sun will rise again
When I’m bored
I’ll remember
It won’t be this way forever
When I’m tired
I’ll remember
It won’t be this way forever
When I’m angry
I’ll remember
It won’t be this way forever
When I’m sad
I’ll remember
It won’t be this way forever
When I’m worried
I’ll remember
It won’t be this way forever
It won’t be this way forever
I won’t feel this way forever
Night time never lasts forever
The sun will rise again

I can’t wait to spend some time together again soon! On the next podcast, we’ll talk about what makes you you. Until next time, I like you, I’m proud of you, and I’m glad we are friends. Have a happy and peaceful day.

Like You is written and produced by me, Noah Glenn. I also composed and performed the Like You theme music as well as the original song It Won’t Be This Way Forever. The podcast artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. This episode features additional music by Skygaze, The Places. A quick word for the grown-ups: we could really use your support to keep this podcast going. Please consider becoming a patron by visiting patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. You can also help others find the show by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, and be sure to help us spread the word by telling your friends about the show. Learn more about us on our website, likeyoupodcast.com and be sure to follow us on instagram, twitter, and Facebook @likeyoupod. Please send us voice memos, pictures, and drawings to likeyoupod@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!